The Israeli defence minister has approved the call-up of 30,000 reservists, Sky News has confirmed.

Sky’s Middle East Correspondent Sam Kiley said: “In British terms, that is pretty close to 10 brigades – a vast number of troops. These will be armour, infantry and specialists in support, but most likely to fill in the gaps likely to be left as troops are moved down towards Gaza.

“There’s already been an increase in movement of ground troops close to Gaza, the movement of tanks and so on.

“If there is going to be a ground offensive, those troops have got to come from somewhere else and they would need to be back-filled.

“So, in all likelihood, this is all part of the military planning for a ground assault into Gaza, should the Israeli prime minister so order.

An Israeli attack on a Hamas leader two days ago is the catalyst behind the fighting. The video below reportedly shows that targeted assassination of Ahmed Jabari by Israel’s air force: